Partner pays tribute to 'devoted father' whose body was found at Pennington Flash

THE partner of a man whose body was found in shrub land in Pennington Flash has paid tribute to the ‘truly devoted father’.

Robert Paxton was reported missing after he was last seen on Tuesday, June 23, near to Leigh Sports Village.

His body was found on Wednesday, July 2, after a huge search operation was launched.

His partner Katrina Rees said: “Robert sadly passed away at the age of 33 on June 24.

“As well as being missed by his children Tyler and Amelia who he was a truly devoted father to, he will be sorely missed by his friends and family.

“He was my best friend and father to our two wonderful children, I am grateful for our 14 years together; a time filled with much laughter thanks to Robert’s unique sense of humour which could pull me out of even the deepest of moods.

“The children he leaves behind are already a credit to his exceptional skills as a father and the legacy he leaves them is one of stargazing, a love for food, fun and a passion for reading.

“Our lives were all the better off for having him in it.”

Police have said there were no suspicious circumstances surrounding Mr Paxton's death.

An inquest was opened and adjourned at Bolton Coroners Court on Thursday.